In a compelling discussion on the significance of the Amazon rainforest, Hannah Gelbart, host of *What in the World*, engages with Graihagh Jackson, presenter of *The Climate Question*, to explore the profound impact of this ecological marvel on Earth. The Amazon, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the planet,’ plays a critical role in regulating global climate patterns. Spanning over 5.5 million square kilometers across nine countries, it is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Its dense vegetation absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide, acting as a natural carbon sink and mitigating the effects of climate change. Beyond its environmental contributions, the Amazon is a biodiversity hotspot, home to millions of species, many of which are yet to be discovered. Indigenous communities also rely on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural heritage. However, deforestation, driven by agriculture, logging, and mining, poses a severe threat to this ecosystem. The conversation underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to protect the Amazon, emphasizing its irreplaceable role in sustaining life on Earth.
